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2018 Chevy Equinox Premier Introduces GM’s New Nine-Speed Automatic to Middle East

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Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed automatic

With the launch of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Premier in the Middle East, General Motors effectively launches its developed-in-house Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed automatic transmission for the region. The efficient nine-speed transmission is mated to the Equinox Premier’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, returning estimated fuel consumption of 13.6 km/l (32 mpg) thanks to its support of stop/start technology.

“The new nine-speed transmission is designed for our customers to get the most out of their Chevrolet,” said Ahmed Soudodi, Head of Brand, Chevrolet Middle East. “By improving performance and fuel efficiency, the Equinox offers world-class sophistication with a quiet, smooth, enjoyable ride, and we’re looking forward as this new transmission proliferates across other models in the lineup.”


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“In addition to improved fuel efficiency, the new nine-speed transmission offers a strong overall balance of performance and refinement that customers will feel at all driving speeds,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, General Motors Global Propulsion Systems. “By the end of 2017, Chevrolet will offer two models with the new nine-speed in the Middle East.”

Among the performance advantages of the nine-speed automatic are a 7.6:1 overall ratio, which not only helps to improve fuel economy but allows the Equinox Premier to get off the line faster and cruise more efficiently at highway speeds. The wider gear also improves engine noise, providing a quieter and calmer cabin ride.

2018 Chevrolet Equinox Premier

“The smaller steps between the gears, compared to the GM eight-speed, enable smooth, almost imperceptible upshifts for excellent refinement,” added Nicholson. “No matter the engine torque or vehicle speed, the new nine-speed transmission is always in the perfect gear.”

The nine-speed automatic is also developed utilizing an on-axis that lines up gears with the crankshaft, and a selectable one-way clutch helps to condense the size of the transmission to boost efficiency.


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